Multimedia Complexity Broker Protocol Abstraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices and software programs for managing multimedia information are complex and require users to have knowledge of multiple protocols, making it difficult and time-consuming to play, convert, share, store, organize, search, and purchase media files, and there is no universal device that simplifies these actions or ensures compatibility and quality across different devices.
Innovation Solution
A brokering device with a dual-layer architecture, comprising a service layer for user-friendly interface and a technical layer for complex functions, which abstracts protocol management, enabling seamless selection, conversion, and delivery of multimedia content across various devices without requiring users to specify protocols, using protocols like uPnP, DLNA, and iTunes, and incorporating GPS for location-based device selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices with multiple protocols are used to manage multimedia information, then functionality and versatility are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a complexity broker as an intermediary device that mediates between users and multiple multimedia devices with different protocols. The broker abstracts protocol complexity by automatically handling protocol selection, conversion, and device coordination, allowing users to access diverse multimedia functionality without directly dealing with protocol complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The complexity broker is designed as a universal device that can work with multiple different multimedia devices and protocols simultaneously. It provides a single interface that aggregates functionality from various sources (local devices, network devices, cloud services) and presents a unified experience to users, eliminating the need for users to master multiple device-specific protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion and management functions are added to devices, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The complexity broker serves as a mediator that handles all protocol conversion and management tasks internally. Users interact with the broker through a simplified interface that abstracts away protocol details, while the broker automatically performs protocol translation, device discovery, and compatibility management behind the scenes.
Solution Approach 2:
The complexity broker implements self-service by automatically detecting available devices, determining appropriate protocols, and configuring connections without user intervention. The system autonomously manages protocol compatibility issues, selecting and applying appropriate conversion methods based on device capabilities and content requirements.
3Measurement precision
If manual protocol specification is required from users, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and productivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The complexity broker performs automatic protocol detection and selection, eliminating the need for users to manually specify protocols. The system autonomously identifies the appropriate protocols for source and destination devices, selects optimal conversion methods, and executes the transfer, significantly reducing the time required for multimedia management tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The complexity broker performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring protocol mappings and device profiles. During operation, it quickly retrieves pre-established protocol information and applies appropriate conversion methods without requiring real-time user input, thereby maintaining protocol accuracy while accelerating the overall process.
Data Source
AI summary
A brokering device that manages multimedia information includes an interface device having access to a network and a multimedia service provider. The interface device enables selection of multimedia information from the network, and provides the selected multimedia information to a plurality of locations without requiring the user to specify a protocol associated with the multimedia information.